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PA R E N T january/february/march 2011
HOMETOWN HEALTHy CHALLENGE page 17
curbing
CABIN FEVER page 4 10
awesome
ARTS & CRAFTS page 16
TRIP TIPS
and healthy roadtrip snacks page 22
YUMMY MOMMY pages 10-11
Planning Perfect Birthday Parties
pages 14-15
from the editor
in this issue
Happy New Year Bowling Green!! This is an exciting time for us here at Bowling Green Parent. We had such a great response to our first issue that we are bringing you even more great articles in 2011. In addition to education, healthy living and community involvement, we wanted to give our local Moms some special attention. “Yummy Mummy” will feature tips, ideas and encouragement for our moms to look great, feel great and possibly win some much needed R&R with our “Mommy Makeover.” Be sure to watch our website and Facebook for details on this contest! We have added a “Green Living” page offering ideas for both children & parents on ways that we can support local environmental efforts in our day-to-day lives. In this issue, you can also find the “hot spots” for hosting your child’s birthday party, some “Stay-Cation” ideas for Spring Break and short road trips plus some money saving tips on preparing for college education. As always, thank you for making Bowling Green Parent your source for local information. Please visit us at www.bgparent.com for additional feature information and upcoming articles and events, and remember to become a ‘fan’ on Facebook!
jan/feb/mar 2011
events
4 Curbing Cabin Fever 12-13 Event Calendar 20 Spring Break Staycation 22 Road Trip! Things to Do When It’s Cold Outside
Kid, Teen & Family Events
Get Out and About Locally
Games for the Car, Snacks & More!
arts
6 Easy Recipes 1 6 Awesome Arts 23 Kid Activities
Warm Up With Soup / Oatmeal Dishes
Winter, Valentines & St. Pats Crafts
Lara Park, Editor
on the cover Jackson Pascal Braun (age 2), of Bowling Green, Ky. Jackson is the son of Emily Braun and Adam Mercer. The photo was taken at Jackson’s Orchard by photographer Brie Golliher of BGB Photo & Design in Bowling Green. Your child could be on our next cover! Email your photos for consideration to: katie@bgparent.com. (You must have photographer permission to submit).
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health
New Year, New You 5 Spring 8 Allergies 9 Chiropractic Care 18 Dental Awareness Healthy Eating Out Options
Stop the Symptoms
Relief for Moms to Be, Babies & Kids
PA R E N T
Bowling Green Parent is a quarterly publication for Bowling Green / Warren County and surrounding areas. The publication is free and can be obtained at approximately 100 local family friendly businesses and 10,000 copies are produced of each issue. To inquire about advertising, contact our office at 270-846-1122 or email info@bgparent.com. Lara Spears Park, Editor-in-Chief Katie Frassinelli, Publisher and Creative Director Jennifer Hewett, Senior Copy and Research Editor
Give a Kid a Smile
education
Parenting 1 9 Green 2 1 Saving for College Benefits of Cloth Diapers What’s a 529 Account?
All material and information, which appears in Bowling Green Parent Magazine, is presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician or child care expert if you have any questions concerning you or your Family’s well being. Bowling Green Parent Magazine presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on information obtained in the magazine. Bowling Green Parent Magazine takes no responsibility as to the accuracy of statements in any of our articles or segments. We rely on independent writers and reader responses to present us with ideas and informational material.
BECOME A FAN...Weekly trivia contest with prizes, fun ideas and more!
features
7 Daddy Days 10-11 Yummy Mommy 14-15 Birthday Parties!
Help Fathers Become More Involved
A Page of Tips & Ideas for Moms
Tools to Plan the Big Day
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A Page of Fun Just for Kids!
january / february / march 2011
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PA R E N T
KICKIN’ OFF A TERIFFIC 2011 “We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential”. ~Ellen Goodman
#3. Smile more. When you walk into a room, smile. It’s the surest way to make your family, friends and the people around you feel welcome, comfortable and noticed. Smile at people when they catch your glance, you never know whose day you might change!
#4. Feel confident about who you are and what you have. Feel confident because your character is upstanding! Don’t allow other’s opinions, issues or unfortunate events determine your strength. Your children will learn to feel self-confident by watching you live your life with strength and determination, one obstacle at a time!
#5. Find comfort in knowing that a bad day, hard times and life’s little disappointments are what we need to help us appreciate what we have and to help us appreciate what is to come. A difficult day at work is okay to share with your family. Kids will learn that bad days come and go but that we must keep moving forward.
The Sweeney Family of Bowling Green shares stories of their day at dinner. Chris, Chloe (age 2), Brittany, Claire (age 16 mos.), Annie (age 5), Landon (age 7) and Luke (age 4).
...............I love this quote. There’s a lot of truth in it. We often step into a new year that is supposed to be packed with happy beginnings and fresh starts, with self-defeating thoughts and difficult-to-fill expectations. Let’s change that! How about we start the New Year with inspiration instead of self doubt! Take time to sit with your family and reflect upon the year gone by. Document the good times and the sad, the scary times and the times that made you feel thankful for what you have. Scrapbook your memories with left behind notes and cards, pictures and old ticket stubs, in an effort to preserve them so that in years to come, you can all go back and read about 2010. When you have those memories written and tucked away, take time to look forward and resolve to live up to your potential as a person and as a family. Committing to live a more healthful life by kicking bad habits and committing to fitness and to eating wisely are always a given. But, think beyond that. This year commit to a happier you. For, as we all know, happiness is contagious so a happy you equals a happy family! Here are some of my favorite resolutions! Perhaps you will find just one that will work well for you and your family. Let’s all raise a glass to 2011...cheers!
#6. Surround yourself with positive people. You will tend to think like them and you’ll all fuel yourselves from each others’ positive energy. The same will be true if you surround yourself with negative people. You’ll think negatively and you will fuel yourselves by being down and condescending. Before you know it, you’ll be a Debbie Downer! Doesn’t sound as pleasant, does it?! It’s just like the old saying, “birds of a feather flock together!” Choose to fly with the happiest of them!
Expectant Parent Fair Sunday, March 27 • 2–4 p.m.
#1. Turn off your television while you eat dinner. Resistance from kids may be difficult to manage initially but they’ll come to love chatting about their day and hearing about yours…even if they don’t admit it!
If you’re expecting a baby, don’t miss this opportunity to tour our Obstetrics Unit, meet our outstanding staff and learn more about what happens when the big day arrives. Pick up helpful information on healthy pregnancies, baby care and safety, and register for great door prizes.
#2. Whether at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table, have a quick chat about what you feel thankful for. Do this daily and your kids will benefit by understanding what it means to be gracious and appreciative.
Call 745-1543 or visit www.TheMedicalCenter.org for more details on the Expectant Parent Fair.
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curbing
CABIN FEVER
Are you ready to curb your winter cabin fever? Try these great indoor activities in an effort to entertain and involve your family. Or why not take a day or a weekend to check out some of these great Kentucky and Tennessee attractions. Offering day trips, weekend trips or longer, these attractions and events will help get the family out of the house and excited for a change of scenery! Cabin fever cured!
air. These beautiful areas will allow younger kids to run wild as they follow the gorgeous trails laid out for you! Take time to listen to the sounds of nature, collect leaves and to press or read about, take pictures and spot as many of Kentucky’s wild birds as you can!
STAY AT HOME IDEAS
1. Visit an indoor water resort. Great Wolf Lodge offers twelve destinations to choose from, the closest being Mason, Ohio. This mini vacation will be a sure hit for the whole family! For more details, please visit their website at greatwolf.com.
1. Cook with your kids! Pretend Soup and Salad People by Mollie Katzen are two of our favorite recipe books packed with very easy, kid-friendly recipes. Every recipe is written for the emergent reader, include simple words and even have pictures which allow kids to follow along independently. The ingredients are basic and the end product is yummy! Your help and guidance will be necessary when using the oven or stove.
RECIPE Salt Dough Recipe: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup salt 1 cup cold water
OUT AND ABOUT IDEAS
2. Enjoy local theatre. Public Theater of Kentucky: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare ~Jan. 28- Feb. 13. The beautiful tale of love reaches across generations and speaks to countless audiences.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis ~Feb. 24-Mar. 6. The Sunburst Youth Theatre presents a classic, when four children from war-torn England find themselves transported to a land of myth and fantasy. It has been foretold that they will bring peace to Narnia, but can they survive the evil treachery of the mysterious White Witch who claims to 3. Instill compassion for all living things by learning about be Queen? shelter animals. Get in touch with the local Human Society or RePets to learn how you can help. Walking a shelter dog, See pages 12-13 for more theatrical performances. entertaining cats or petting rabbits is great soul food! 3. Orchestra Kentucky: Disney in Concert ~Mar. 19, 2011 4. Check out a local high school game. Extend some support 6:00 p.m. Join this special performance at Van Meter Hall and spirit to a friend, cousin, niece or nephew. Take the whole as the orchestra, chorale and Disney talent perform original family! Your cheerleading and enthusiasm will be such a nice arrangements of Disney’s best music, accompanied by surprise! projected stills and movie clips from Disney films. 2. Make homemade salt dough. It is inexpensive, simple to make and will provide your children with hours of fun while they press, roll, cookie cut and sculpt. Here is a tried and true recipe (at right).
5. Hike through the trails at Lost River Cave or Mammoth Cave. Dress warmly and take the family out for some fresh
salt dough
4. Monster Jam Trucks: Bridgestone Arena, Jan 7-8. For tickets and information visit bridgestonearena.com.
Directions: In a large bowl, mix table salt and flour together. Gradually add 1/2 cup of water and mix to desired consistency. Knead the dough on a flat surface, adding more water as needed (but not making it too moist). Once the dough is made, you can divide it up into small portions to roll into 1/8” thick pieces with a rolling pin. Use cookie cutters to cut out a variety of shapes, and place the shapes on wax paper or other surface to dry. If you want to make hanging decorations, pierce the dough through with a toothpick while it’s wet. If you want to make necklaces or bracelets, roll the dough into bead shapes, and pierce with a toothpick. When dried or baked then cooled, paint the beads however you wish. String beads onto yarn, twine or ribbon. Allow the shapes to dry for a day or two, turning them over periodically to speed up the drying process. You may need to re-pierce the hole several times. After the shapes dry and for a smoother effect, you can use a fine grit sandpaper to gently smooth any rough edges. Baking Alternative: Instead of allowing the dough shapes to air dry, you can bake them in the oven at 200 degrees F until hard. Baking times varies depending on oven and dough thickness. Make sure the dough is completely baked. You can cover the dough with aluminum foil if it starts to darken before completely baked through.
5. Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus. Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Jan 21-23. For show times and ticket sales, visit ringling.com/ TourSchedule.aspx.
At left: Tyler Snell (age 6) and Madison Morrill (age 7) entertain Humane Society pet, Freckles. page
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New yEAR New yOu
tips for making
HEALTHIER
Fast food is cheap, convenient and the kids usually love it. For those who eat out on a regular basis, fast food restaurants offer the least expensive dining option, but are not always the healthiest. The menu items often have more calories, sodium and fat in one meal than is recommended we consume in a single day. However, with current economic conditions it is tempting to resort to this quick and inexpensive option. Another factor to consider with many fast food hot spots are the ploys they use to attract your children. McDonald’s founder Ray Croc figured out that putting a playground in his hamburger joint will get kids to come back again and again to eat even if they are not hungry, and rewards them with little trinkets and toys with their meal. The problem is your kids have now become targeted and are the victims of low quality foods that when consumed regularly have health consequences. What can be done to stop this trend? While no one is expected to entirely give up fast food, you can alter the selections you make from the menu. Here are some tips for maximizing your health benefits if you must dine out, and we’ve provided a list of some of the healthiest choices on a number of area fast food restaurant’s menus. General Dining Out Tips • Drink water with your meal • Avoid bacon, super-sizes, adding salt or additional condiments • Make careful menu selections: deep-fried, pan-fried, breaded or crispy translate to additional calories so choose grilled or seared options instead • Limit cheese, mayo and special sauces
fast food choices
These are just a few options. Find more healthy dining options online at: www.healthydiningfinder.com Arby’s -Plain Baked Potato, Grilled Chicken Caeser or Light Roast Chicken or Turkey Deluxe Burger King -BK Broiler Chicken Sandwich Captain D’s -Seasoned Tilapia. Wild Alaskan Salmon, Shrimp Skewers -Baked Potato, Corn, Green Beans or Broccoli Chick-fil-A -Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich or Wrap -Hearty Breast of Chicken Soup -Chargrilled Chicken Garden Salad
Sonic Drive-In -Strawberry-Banana Fruit Smoothie -Grilled Chicken Salad -Kid’s Corn Dog Meal with Apple Slices or a Banana Taco Bell -Grilled chicken soft taco or Bean burrito
KFC -KFC Original Recipe Chicken Breast (with breading and skin removed) and a side of green beans -Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Wendy’s -Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Chili or Baked Potato
McDonald’s Ranked #8 healthiest fast food restaurant by health.com -Strawberry Banana or Wild Berry Smoothie with Yogurt -Happy Meal with Hamburger, Apple Dippers, White Milk -Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap, Sandwich or Salad -Fruit & Walnut Salad, Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait with Granola -Egg McMuffin Panera Bread Ranked #1 healthiest fast food restaurant by health.com For kids they offer squeezable organic yogurt, all-natural peanut butter and grilled cheese on white whole-grain bread and the options for adults are endless.
eat your
The following classes are available at The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center located on the front of Greenwood Mall (outside entrance only). For more info or to register for classes, call 270-745-0942. HEALTHy WEIGHT/ HEALTHy LIFE Mondays, Jan. 24 - Feb. 28, 12-1pm, prereg. req. $50 Change your lifestyle in six short weeks. Be coached by a registered dietitian and an exercise specialist who will give tips on everything from working out to dining out. GROCERy STORE TOuR: CHOOSING HEALTHy FOOD Wed., Mar. 9, 8-9:30am, Kroger, Scottsville Rd. Preregistration is required; space is limited. $10 Registered dietitian will lead a grocery store tour to help individuals make healthier food choices.
VITAMINS
It can be overwhelming to try to plan meals which taste good and are good for you, but did you know there are lots of tasty fruits, vegetables and meats that are loaded with all the vitamins your body needs? Add these to your family’s meals! Vitamin E Almonds Sunflower seeds Hazelnuts Sunflower oil Peanut butter
Folate Lentils Garbanzo beans Asparagus Black beans Orange juice
Beta-carotene Carrots Canned pumpkin Frozen spinach Sweet potato
B6 Potato Banana Garbanzo beans Chicken
B12 Clams Rainbow trout Sockeye salmon Beef
Vitamin C
Broccoli
Red bell pepper
Brussel sprouts
Papaya
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SOUP
bring 2 quarts of water to boil in a separate pot. Add carrots, celery and onion. Cook 6 minutes. Drain. Add to chicken stock mixture, add seasonings. Simmer 10 minutes. Add diced cooked chicken tenders (see below). Cook noodles in When it’s cold outside there’s nothing better than pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Cover and separate pan for 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. a hot bowl of your favorite soup. Here are some simple, yet remove from heat. Let stand for one hour. Return the pot Add to soup and simmer 2-3 minutes more. to the heat and bring to a boil once again. Reduce heat to hearty recipes to warm you up! medium-low and simmer for at least three hours to blend Chicken Tenders for Harvest Soup Potato Soup flavors. The longer you simmer, the thicker the broth will 2 T. chicken base 2 qt. water 6-7 medium potatoes 1 stick butter become (6 hours is optimal). Adjust seasonings to taste. 1 small onion, cut into quarters 1/2 rib celery, chopped 1 can cream of celery soup 1 t. garlic salt 2-1/2 lb. chicken tenders Slow Cooker Stew 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 pkg. cream cheese In large pot, bring water, chicken base, onion and celery to 1 med. white onion, quartered 5 potatoes 1 med. onion (finely chopped) salt (to taste) simmer. Add chicken. Gently simmer until done, about 5-6 1 lb. beef cubes (stew beef) 1 c. water 1-1/2 c. milk (more for thinner soup) pepper (to taste) 10 oz. can golden mushroom soup 16 oz. pkg. baby carrots minutes. Do not overcook. Drain chicken and reserve stock In a large saucepan, cook potatoes and onion in enough (for preceding recipe). Place chicken in freezer to stop cooking water to cover them on medium heat until tender. Add cubes Peel the potatoes and cut into large chunks. Layer the process. When cool, dice into 1/2” cubes and add to soup. of cream cheese to potatoes and onion. Remove from heat potatoes, carrots, beef and onion in a slow cooker. Pour a and stir until cream cheese is melted. Add soups, butter and mixture of the soup and water over the layers. Cook, covered, spices. Stir and serve hot. on low for 6 to 8 hours.
warm up with
Southern Brown Bean and Ham 1 lb. dry pinto beans 1 sm. pkg. diced country ham 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 t. pepper, or to taste
Chicken Harvest Soup 8 c. water 2-1/2 to 3 qt. water 1/4 lb. butter 1 large onion, chopped 2 T. chicken base 3/4 c. flour 1 t. chili powder 2 qt. chicken stock (from tenders) 1 lb. diced carrots 1. salt, or to taste 6-7 ribs celery, diced 1 med. onion, diced 3/4 t. white pepper 3/4 t. garlic powder Let beans soak overnight. Drain, 10 oz. egg noodles rinse, then place the beans Cooked chicken tenders and water in a large stockpot. In a large pot, melt butter. Add flour and cook 3-4 minutes. Add the ham, onion and garlic. Slowly add the water, stirring constantly. Simmer 20 minutes. Season with chili powder, salt and Add chicken base and chicken stock. While this is cooking,
interesting
oatmeal Banana-Nana Pecan Bread 1 c. quick or old fashioned oats, uncooked 1/2 c. chopped pecans 3 T. stick margarine or butter, melted 2 T. firmly packed brown sugar 1 pkg. (14 oz.) banana bread quick bread mix 1 c. water 1/2 c. mashed ripe banana (about 1 large) 2 eggs, lightly beaten 3 T. canola oil
Easy Italian Mini Meatloaf Supper Ingredients for your favorite meatloaf 1-1/2 c. (6 ozs) shredded, Italian cheese blend, divided 2 t. dried Italian seasoning, divided 1/2 pkg. (8 ozs.) rotini pasta 1 pkg. (16 ozs.) frozen Italian vegetable blend 2 to 3 t. olive oil or margarine Salt and pepper, to taste 1 can (14-1/2 ozs.) Italian seasoned diced tomatoes
1. Heat oven to 350°F. 2. To meatloaf ingredients, add 1 c. cheese and 1 t. Italian seasoning; mix lightly but thoroughly. Press 1/3 cup meatloaf mixture into each of 12 medium muffin cups. 3. Bake 15-20 minutes or until centers are no longer pink. 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease and flour bottom of loaf pan. 4. While meatloaves bake, prepare pasta according to 2. In small bowl, combine oats, pecans, margarine and package directions, adding vegetables during last 6 minutes brown sugar. Reserve 1/2 c. mixture, set aside. In large bowl, of cooking. Drain well; toss with olive oil, remaining 1 t. Italian combine remaining oat mixture, quick bread mix, water, seasoning, salt and pepper. banana, eggs and oil. Mix dry ingredients until moistened. 5. Spoon tomatoes into microwave-safe bowl; microwave covered on HIGH until heated through. Pour into pan. Sprinkle top with reserved oat mixture. 3. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in 6. Remove meatloaves from muffin pans; top with tomatoes and remaining 1/2 c. cheese. Serve with pasta. center of loaf comes out clean. Cool completely. page
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Caramel Oatmeal Chewies 1-3/4 c. quick or old fashioned oats, uncooked 1-3/4 c. all-purpose flour, divided 3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 t. baking soda 1/4 t. salt (optional) 12 T. (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted 2 c. (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 c. chopped nuts 1 c. caramel ice cream topping Preparation 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9-inch metal baking pan. 2. In large bowl, combine oats, 1-1/2 c. flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in butter; mix well. Reserve 1 c. oat mixture; press remaining oat mixture onto bottom of pan. 3. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with chips and nuts. Mix caramel topping with remaining flour; drizzle over nuts to within 1/4 inch of pan edges. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Continue baking 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack; refrigerate until firm. Cut into bars. Makes about 30 bars. bowling green
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PA R E N T
DADDY days Bowling Green beware. There is a new line of dads sweeping the nation! These dads are planning play dates, scheduling doctor appointments, volunteering at school, and…..you got it, helping with the household chores, and we want to be on board. Generally speaking, mothers have been at the forefront helping with homework, dropping off at school, and being the nurturer of the family, but there are ways to get fathers more involved. We have come up with a few suggestions to get you started.
6) Exercise. Take a nature walk with your child. The Blue Hole Trails at Lost River Cave are free and open to the public. Being in nature is a great way to be healthy and spend quality time with your children. 7) Drop off or pick up your child from school. Even if you can only do this occasionally, you are the last person to say ‘have a great day’ or the first person to ask how the day went.
Above: Scott Burklow and son 8) Clean. Straighten. Tidy. Children love to do Conner (age 7) enjoy a book. dishes, fold laundry, vacuum, sweep and tidy in general especially if it means spending time with At right: Adam Boca and daughter Gracelynn (age 3) pal around. you. Taking part in these chores with dad not 2) Take your child to work. If this isn’t possible during the only communicates the importance of “family work day, stop by one evening and show your child where you teamwork” but also gives your child a sense of pride that *please see our spend your day. Having a visual when you talk about “work” they can contribute to the well-being of the home. events calendar on will help your child feel more connected to you. pages 12-13 for a full 9) Love your child’s mother. Always speak to her and listing of children’s 3) Read to your child. Set aside a time each day for reading. about her with kindness, warmth, love and respect. Save events/activities Make this a daily ritual. Choose a “Barnes & Noble story time disagreements for a time when the two of you can speak book” and then make a special date to attend the reading. together alone. Children learn B&N hosts story time each Saturday at 3:33. how to treat others based on the way they see you treating 4) Take a weekend field trip. There are several places to each other. visit right here in Bowling Green. Kentucky Down Under, Chaney’s Dairy Barn, and Western Kentucky University all 10) Love your child!! Tell them host children’s events year round. often. “Father love” helps give children the confidence 5) Be involved in your child’s education. Volunteer, and strength to make tough familiarize yourself with your child’s curriculum, build a choices, avoid negative peer relationship with your child’s teacher, attend parent-teacher pressure and stand up for conferences and keep the lines of communication open. what’s right. 1) Pick a weekend each month and make mom a surprise breakfast. Spend this time quietly with no disruptions from the television or radio.
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spring
SNEEZIN’
After being cooped up all winter, we can’t wait for the spring months to get outside for some much needed sun and fun! However, if you are like me, this also means coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes; and if you have little ones it can be difficult to know how to treat allergies or if allergies are even the culprit that’s causing discomfort. Unfortunately for us, Kentucky and Tennessee claim the top two spots in the country for high pollen counts. Hay fever slams Bowling Green in the spring months leaving us feeling disoriented and disconnected, and if you’re sensitive to pollen, your immune system sends histamines on attack triggering inflammation in the sinuses, nose and eyes. Hay Fever is a health problem that is only getting worse as the volume of pollen in the air continues to increase, but Dr. Cavanah, MD, a local allergist at the Medical Center in Bowling Green, has shared some tips with us on recognizing symptoms and ways to make allergies more manageable. Symptoms Q. At what age do children start to show signs? A. Some children show symptoms as early as just a few months of age, but testing is not generally done until 1-2 years old. Food allergies can start at any age. Within a few weeks of birth, infants can show signs of milk or soy allergies.
area A. It can be related to fullness and pressure in the sinuses or dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes related to nasal congestion that can cause that off-balance feeling. Testing According to Dr. Cavanah, there is a traditional skin test which is done with little “pricks” using a plastic testing device on the back allowing for results in just 15 minutes. There is also a test called RAST testing that gives results in 1-2 weeks. Either test can determine allergies to pollens, dust, mold, animal danders or food. Treatment Home Remedies include nasal saline sprays and drops for children. A NettiePot works well for teens and adults. Prescription medications can be used at home to control symptoms and can vary depending on severity of symptoms throughout the year, but they have to be taken regularly for the duration of your symptoms to be effective. Shots, on the other hand, give the patient what they are allergic to causing the immune system to gradually “build up” so that the patient is less allergic over time. However, they work slowly over a period of several months and must be taken in a doctor’s office.
ALLERGISTS Jonathon Baldwin, M.D. 1724 Rockingham Avenue, Bowling Green 270-842-7588 Diana K. Cavanah, M.D. Graves Gilbert Clinic, Bowling Green 270-780-0560 Indar Jhamb, M.D. 1217 Ashley Circle, Bowling Green 270-782-3237 Patricia J. Mercer, M.D. Graves Gilbert Clinic, Bowling Green 270-780-0560 Thomas G. Sternberg, M.D. Graves Gilbert Clinic, Bowling Green 270-780-0560
Q. Is it possible to outgrow allergies? A. It’s possible that symptoms will dramatically improve as a child ages, but these will often recur sometime later in life.
Tips for Management/Prevention • Pollens are highest in the morning so waiting to leave your home until later in the day may be helpful Q. Are there any key symptoms to look for in determining • Take medicine prior to being outdoors instead of waiting if you are having an allergic reaction as opposed to the for symptoms to hit common cold? • Vacuum and change your home’s air filters regularly A. Symptoms can be quite similar. Often with an allergy, you • Remove shoes before entering the home will experience itchy eyes, itchy throat, itchy ears and itchy • Dust with a damp cloth nose that are not common with colds. Also, usually nasal • Keep pets outdoors discharge is clear & watery with allergies but thicker and • Keep windows closed discolored with a cold. Dr. Diana Cavanah M.D. works in the Q. What causes the disoriented feeling that seems to come Allergy / Immunology Department of Graves Gilbert Clinic in Bowling Green. along with seasonal allergies?
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the Backbone of Good Health
Chiropractic care for children, babies and expectant moms Subluxation: A slight misalignment of the vertebrae (the bones of the spine) which can causes a nerve to be irritated, therefore causing pain or discomfort. This pain can present itself in some of the following forms: headaches, back pain, sore muscles, ear infections, leg cramps and neck pain. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively. After speaking with Dr. Brandon Crouch of Crouch Family Chiropractic and Dr. Jeremy McWhorter of McWhorter Chiropractic, it is clear that they both carry a compassionate understanding for maximizing the comfort level of patients who are pregnant, for infants and children. Care During Pregnancy: According to both doctors, a baby’s health and wellness begins in utero. Lower back pain is the most common reason that pregnant women seek chiropractic care. though other reasons for seeking care include headaches and migraines as well as preparation for upcoming labor. Since the uterus is supported by ligaments that attach to the pelvis, it is
important that the pelvis is not subluxated or misaligned. Misalignment may reduce the amount of room available for the growing baby and may also make it more difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. When the pelvis is properly aligned, it will allow for optimal opening during labor, greater chance of the baby moving into the correct birthing position and may allow for an easier labor with an alleviation of stress on the body. Care for the Newborn: For some, the thought of chiropractic for newborns may sound scary or unnecessary. After speaking with Dr. Crouch and Dr. McWhorter, I gained a new perspective that I hadn’t considered before. Did you know that during a “normal” vaginal birth, there is an estimated 70-90 pounds of pressure put on a baby’s spine during contractions? If any interventions or assistance is required in the form of pulling, forceps or vacuums, then it seems fair to say that there might be an increase in the amount of pressure present at birth. During this time, tension can be created in the baby’s spine. This tension can result in discomfort which can manifest in many forms. Some include: nursing difficulties, muscle tenderness, spitting up, irritability and colic. Chiropractic intervention in the form of spinal adjustments after birth can help alleviate this discomfort in infants. Extremely soft touch and a light amount of sustained pressure is applied to the baby’s spine to help regain normal spinal motion. In fact, if asleep during the appointment, sometimes the baby continues to sleep!
Above: Dr. Crouch demonstrates chiropractic care for children on his son Miles (age 2) and at right on his son Trad (age 4). Both have been receiving chiropractic care since they were just hours old.
children to see their chiropractor. Tension to the muscles and a misaligned spine can cause spasms in the small muscles that surround the opening of the Eustachian tube into the back of the throat. This can cause excess fluid in the ears because the lymphatic drainage ducts cannot naturally At left: Dr. Brandon Crouch performs an drain, leading to chronic ear infections. When alignment is adjustment on an expectant patient. regained and the muscles are relaxed in this area, spasms decrease and the condition may improve dramatically. Care for Children: Curious about how chiropractic care can help There are many reasons to see a chiropractor as your child your family? Get in touch with a chiropractor and make an grows and ages. Proper spinal alignment can help with the appointment to discover how he/she can help guide you and typical bumps and tumbles that growing children experience, your family on the path of healthy living! but it can also help with allergies, proper digestion and a healthy immune system. By far, one of the most common Drs. Brandon and Chantelle Crouch are a husband/wife childhood health issues is ear infections. Second only to Chiropractic team. Crouch Family Chiropractic is located at the common cold, ear infections are the most commonly 2709 Nashville Road in Bowling Green. Expectant mom care diagnosed childhood illness in the United States, according and pediatric care are two of their many areas of care. Visit to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP reports Crouch Family Chiropractic at www.crouchfamilychiro.com. that most children have at least one ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. Although these infections can clear up Dr. Jeremy McWhorter is located at 1109 Lovers Lane, Suite with antibiotics, sometimes, if ear infections are persistent 3 in Bowling Green. Though his areas of practice and care during this important time of language formation, it can lead include many, children, the elderly and expectant mothers, to hearing and language delays. Some parents who have are three of his favorites. Visit McWhorter Chiropractic at children suffering from chronic ear infections are taking their www.mcwhorterchiro.com. bowling green
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BOOK reviews Looking for a great read? Check out these three, complete with intriguing reviews from book babe Shawn Alcott! Find your favorite cozy chair, glass of wine (or tea), close the door, and snuggle in for a little “you” time. #3. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - l loved to read as a child and young girl and dreamed of being able to read and write all the time. Then I went to law school and graduated and spent a year clerking for a judge and spent 8 hours of a day reading and writing and I gave up reading as a pastime because that was what I did all day long - this book brought my love of reading back to me. #2. The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margarte George - It is a foregone conclusion that by reading you are transported to a long ago time, in a far away land, blah, blah, blah, but with Margaret George you are completely THERE. Reading this book on a warm comfy couch you are completely transported to a world where you are living as the most POWERFUL woman that ever lived, faced with the same choices she was faced with, you can almost see what she was seeing, hear the sounds, smell the smells, AMAZING!!! #1. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini - Women are hard on themselves and each other. In this book, you see played out before you, the jealousies that exist between women of different circumstances and generations. You then see, as the women in this book experience, the real world where we actually exist, when we get beyond the superficial and fight for each other to survive. What the characters in this book experienced and fought to live though is unthinkable, but the love and devotion that existed between them is so recognizable because it exists in our friendships. In this book, we see the love and devotion that we feel for our friends played out in the most unthinkable and unspeakable drama. It is made so poignant by the realization as you read this book that there are women that find themselves in the same unspeakable circumstances. Are you a part of a local book club with reading recommendations? We’d love to hear them! Email jenn@bgparent.com your reviews.
YUMMY MOMMY We are thrilled to offer a section that will be especially dedicated to moms, and moms alone! Our goal is to share other’s tips and suggestions for happy and healthy living. We went out on the town to survey experts, friends, neighbors and fellow Bowling Greeners. We found ideas for less stressful living, clothing & accessories to help change your look, songs & books that you won’t be able to put down as well as answers to common relationship issues. All this in an effort to make our BG mommies the happiest, yummiest mommies around! Thanks to local talent and opinion we offer you these ideas, thoughts and inspiration.
3 TIPS to keep your skin looking
LISTEN up The right song at the right time is sometimes all that it takes to get you to your happy place! Even on your toughest days, music has always been there for you…the soulfulness of R&B, the kickin’ beats of today’s top 40 countdown, and the tender sounds of country music. So, here you have it, get jammin’, roll those windows down, turn it up and get singin’ like the rock star that you’ve always wanted to be! Here are 5 classic songs that every girl should program into her iPod according to Tony Rose from 100.7 SAM FM:
Information contributed by Stacy Wall, Clinical Manager at Atalla Essential Skin Restoration First and foremost, Stacy wants us all to lather on the sunscreen! It is the surest way to prevent sun damage which causes cancer as well as unsightly dark spots and wrinkles. Stacy really stressed that today’s sunscreens have evolved beyond your grandma’s sunscreen! And, if you choose one that is of good quality, it will not leave your skin feeling pasty, heavy or looking white. Stacy recommends Obagi for winter and Jan Marini for summer. Prevention is the key! Secondly, Stacy recommends 5. Beyonce “Single Ladies” - I mean... you know it still jams microdermabrasion treatments. It is and brings ya down memory lane! great for all skin types and will leave your skin feeling soft, refreshed and 4. TLC “No Scrubs” - Perfect for a girls night out... old glowing. It is a process that uses a school..with the windows down high-pressure stream of aluminum 3. Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive” - from a karaoke bar to getoxide crystals to superficially peel the ting over “him” it is a EPIC choice to rock out to! upper layer of the skin. Microdermabrasion reduces the effect 2. Dolly Parton “Jolene” - Any well rounded Southern girl has of ageing naturally with a deep cleanse that helps reduce open pores, spots and blemishes. It can also blend stretch to have a tribute to Dolly on the iPOD! marks and smooth uneven skin appearance! 1. Chaka Kahn “I’m Every Woman” - Sing it loud and proud.. Last, but definitely not least, Stacy suggests a Oprah loved it so much she made it her show intro one deep cleansing facial to remove dull surface skin cells and to season. It is the anthem of Females in power! stimulate circulation for a renewed and refreshed look.
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In her practice, Marci Huff often counsels a common concern. “We just cannot seem to find our happiness. We are more often than not arguing over the silliest things and just cannot seem to make each other happy.” Marci’s advice: “Often when a member of a family or couple is unhappy, I usually find there is a lot of blaming going on and individuals look to others for their own happiness. Being happy and confident as an individual is the first step in relating well with oneself and others. When people can learn to take responsibility for their own thoughts and emotions they will have better relationships. We all must learn to
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take care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc. Some people are able to discover more about themselves without professional assistance while others can benefit from being engaged in a therapeutic relationship with a helping professional. Therapy is designed to give individuals/couples and/or families the opportunity to find tools to deal with themselves, their relationships and life stressors. Through therapy, goals are collaboratively developed based on what each individual/couple/family needs; the therapist then assists each with obtaining these goals.” bowling green
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freshen up your
freshen up your
Bella Me Boutique & Salon gives us this year’s “Mommy Must Haves.” When it comes to fashion, accessories and complete hair care, Bella Me is definitely the place to go for expert advice! When you step into this downtown boutique & salon, you’ll be captivated by beautiful fashion, tempting accessories and the hippest hairstyles and products. - Don’t have time to freshen up your hair with a complete wash and dry? Pick up hairplay by kms California. It is a makeover spray that “refreshes texture for a quick finished style.” - An accessory must-have for 2011 is definitely a scarf. It can be used to keep you warm and add flair to an everyday look. - Of course, you can also accessorize by picking up one of their many, many sparkly fun bracelets... these always add an element of fun and interest to any outfit!
Do you wish you that you could sign yourself up to get a visit from Ty Pennington and his Extreme Makeover Home Edition team? Well instead, how about a quick trip to Lulu’s Consignment Store, located at 1116 Broadway Avenue for some great deals, inspiration and advice for that room in your home that needs a little sprucing up?! Check out these inspiring table settings, designed just for you by Lulu’s very own Liz Bradley, owner and interior designer.
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Pushups for upper body: Focus on keeping your body aligned, your bottom down, and your tummy tight while you lower you entire upper body to the floor. Do them continuously for 45 seconds, rest for 15 seconds, then do it three more times!
Clear glass, silver, candles, snowflakes and some white tulips pull together a winter wonderland theme.
get out and about with
GIRLFRIENDS Mammoth Cave for hiking, biking and kayaking to clear the mind. “It is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places on Earth and I can be there in less than an hour!” - Shelly Newlove Glendale, Ky: a cozy town full of cute boutiques perfect for an afternoon of shopping. “My favorite little shop there is called True Ky (on the right off the road in a “new” old time store front) they have a website but they carry lots of Ky created art that isn’t too “arts and crafty”. The coolest little thing in there are some pocket knives and necklace pendants that are made from “Corvette paint” There is a guy who goes to the Corvette plant and buys the little pile of paint that builds up along the edges of the assembly line and he makes the paint into little do dads from it - cool, cool, cool.” - Shawn Alcott
This Valentine themed table combines mis-matched hearts, an old framed photo, flowers, candles and more!
Blue Mason jars are the focal point of this tablescape. Simply add some greenery from your yard for flair!
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Thanks to David Nuckols, owner of Get Toned fitness, we’ll all be keeping our figures nipped and tucked with these three exercises. Designed to sculpt your upper body, abdominals and lower body, you’ll find that these exercises are easily done anywhere….at home, on vacation or even at the office. Step aside Jillian Michaels!
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Crunches for abdominals: With your legs extended and raised up, pretend that someone is pulling your belly button down through the floor. Place your hands across your chest and pick a spot on the ceiling to stare at…don’t take them off that spot at all! Using your abdominal muscles, raise your shoulder blades off the floor, hold for 3 seconds, then lower yourself back down slowly. Do this continuously for 45 seconds, rest for 15 seconds, then do it three more times!
Squats for lower body: With your legs shoulder width apart and arms extended out in front of you, lower your bottom down into a sitting position and quickly stand back up. It is important that you don’t lean forward for this exercise. Do this continuously for 45 seconds, rest for 15 seconds, then do it three more times! page
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area events & activities January 2011 8 Health & Wellness Expo 2011, Sloan Convention Center, 8am-12pm, features a variety of healthcare service providers, safety agencies and community organizations that come together in one location to provide a wealth of free screenings and information on healthy living. Special presentations and demonstrations, door prizes. No preregistration is required, and all services and information are free of charge. 10 Timeless Manners, etiquette class for 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders, Riverview at Hobson Grove, five week program on Sunday afternoons, limited spots, registration required, 270843-5565, bgky.org/riverview
4:30pm, registration required, $65, 270-745-6082, wku. edu/library/kylm 5 Buffalo Night, Barren River State Park, Step back in time as the chef cooks up a variety of buffalo dishes. The bluegrass band- “Brushfire” will also be providing music to enjoy while you dine. 270-646-2151 or 1-800-325-0057 11 Victorian Valentine Luncheon, Riverview at Hobson Grove, savory sweets and holiday history, 12pm, reservations 270-843-5565, bgky.org/riverview 11-12 Endless Love Orchestra Kentucky Retro Series, Van Meter Hall, 8pm, 270-846-2426, OrchestraKentucky.com
25 Cabin Fever Workshop: Painting (ages 16 & over), Graham Library, 6pm, free, registration req., 270-781-1441 21-22 Nature Watch Weekend, Barren River State Park, Learn more about the 1,000’s of Sandhill Cranes that migrate through the area. A wildlife biologist from KDFWR will be on hand to provide you information on these unique birds with a unique sound. Several trips are scheduled for the weekend. Pre-registration is required. 270-646-2151 or 1-800-325-0057 (also Feb. 18-19) 28 PRISM by WKU Music Dept., Van Meter Auditorium, 7:30 pm, 270-745-3751, www.wku.edu/pcal 28-30 Romeo and Juliet, Public Theatre of Kentucky, Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm, 270-781-6233, www.ptkbg.org 29 Funniest Kids Around Auditions, Barnes & Noble, 9am12pm, children ages K-6 can audition for the big event, to be held Feb. 19 at 6pm., 270-781-6714
February 2011 3-6, 10-13 Romeo and Juliet, Public Theatre of KY, Thurs. 7pm, Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm, 270-781-6233, ptkbg.org 5 Basket Making Workshop, Kentucky Museum, 8:30am-
25 Some Old, Some New, Van Meter Hall, The Symphony presents a selection of Schubert, Handel and more, 8pm, thesymphonyatwku.org, 270-745-7681
28 Music from the New World with Larnelle Harris, Orchestra Kentucky VIP Series, WKU Van Meter Hall, 7:30pm, 270-846-2426, OrchestraKentucky.com 11-13 Lone Star Rodeo, WKU Brown Ag Expo Center, a show for the whole family with riding, roping, wresting and more, reserved seats $17, general admission 13, children under 3 free, 270-745-3976, lonestarrodeocompany.com
March 2011
11-13 Honeymooner’s Weekend, Barren River State Park, This weekend is a tradition at Barren River. Bring your sweetheart for a weekend that will take you back to the 50’s. Tons of entertainment and fun including a Sweetheart ‘Sock Hop’ with a DJ, lots of games and couple activities, and sweet treats! Overnight packages are available. 270646-2151 or 1-800-325-0057
4-6 Bowling Green High School’s Production of Bye, Bye Birdie!, Capitol Arts Center, Fri. & Sat. at 7pm, Sun. at 3pm., Tickets $12 adults, $8 students, Tickets will go on sale in late February.
12 Road Runners Running Club 5K Cupid Chase, Kereiakes Park, 10am, bgrr.com 18 Spell-A-Bration, Community Spelling Bee to benefit Community Education, Sloan Convention Center, 270-8424281, commed.us/spell.htm 19 The sHOw Modular Model Railroad Club’s Train Show and Sale, Historic Railpark & Train Museum, 10am-3pm, $2 admission, 270-745-7317, kcomer300@yahoo.com
3-6 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe presented by Sunburst Youth Theatre, Public Theatre of KY, Thurs. 7pm, Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm, 270-781-6233, ptkbg.org
5 Girl Scout Art Badge Workshop, Kentucky Museum 5 Penguin Plunge, benefit for Junior Achievement, Sloan Convention Center, 10am registration, 11am plunge, 270-7820280, www.jaforkids.com 5-6 March MotoX Madness, Ballance MotoX, $15 weekend admission, $10 Sun. only, 270-792-7223, ballancemotox.com 9-12 Houchens Girls’ Sweet 16 Basketball State Championships, Diddle Arena, KHSAA.org
19 KAPOS Cheerleading State Championship, Diddle Arena, kapos.org 19 Funniest Kids Around, Capitol Arts Center, 6pm, come out for a night of fun and laughter, 270-781-6714 20 Hospice Chocolate Festival & Silent Auction, Sloan Convention Center, 2–5pm, sample some of the best
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24-Mar. 1 Khamaseen, Russell Miller Theatre, Fine Arts Center at WKU, 8pm (Sun. 3pm), Adults $11, Students $9
26-27 Community Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters, Southern Lanes, Sat. 9am-4pm, Sun. 12:30pm – 4pm, 270-781-1180, bbbsky.com
11 Cabin Fever Workshop: Painting (ages 16 & over), Kirby Library, 6pm, free, registration required, 270-782-0252
15 Women’s Expo, Greenwood Mall, 10am-3pm, diaper derby, goody bags, samples and more, allhitwuhu107.com
24-27 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe presented by Sunburst Youth Theatre, Public Theatre of KY, Thurs. pm, Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm, 270-781-6233, ptkbg.org
26 Road Runners Running Club Eagle Flight 5K, DishmanMcGinnis Elem. School, 8:30am, bgrr.com
10 Fiddle Faddle!: The Music of Leroy Anderson, Orchestra Kentucky VIP Series, WKU Van Meter Hall, 7:30pm, 270846-2426, www.OrchestraKentucky.com
13 Cabin Fever Workshop: Calligraphy (ages 16 & over), State Street Library, 6pm, free, registration required, 270781-4882
chocolate creations with over 35 restaurants and caterers plus a silent auction and celebrity cookie eating contest. 1-800-344-9479, hospicesoky.org
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Educational Offerings 10 Taste of Bowling Green, Sloan Convention Center, 710pm, sample 40 of Bowling Green’s best restaurants and beverage suppliers and dance to Skip Bond at this Dream Factory benefit. tasteofbowlinggreen.com 10 America’s Cheapest Family: Steve and Annette Economides, authors of many family money saving books, State Street Library, 6pm, 270-781-4882 11-13 Greenwood High School’s Production of Grease, Capitol Arts Center 12 BRIMS Bridge Building Competition, Stupp Bridge Company, 8:30-11:30am, http://brimsbg.org/?q=node%2F15 17-20 The Thirty Nine Steps, Fountain Square Players, Public Theatre of KY, Thurs.-Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm, 270-7823119, fountainsquareplayers.org 18 BG Gallery Hop, 5 – 8 pm, galleries, museums and studio centers around town, maps available at Visitors Bureau, Capitol Arts, or any participating location, 270-781-0872, vsartsky.org 18-20 Chiks in the Stiks, Barren River State Park, A fun weekend of activities including hiking, fishing, archery and more, plus the opportunity to hang out with your friends and to make new friends! 270-646-2151 24 Landscape artist and author Jon Carloftis, State Street Library, 6pm, 270-781-4882 24-27 Capitol Arts Youth Theatre Production of Odyssey 24-25 Civil War Days, Kentucky Museum 25 Maggie the Pirate, Russell Miller Theatre, Fine Arts Center at WKU, 7pm, Free (donations accepted) 25 Once On This Island - Franklin Simpson High Spring Musical, Goodnight Auditorium, Franklin, Fri. & Sat. 7pm, Sun. 3pm, $10 adults, $5 students, franklinsimpsonarts.org 25-27 South Warren High School Performance of “Footloose”, South Warren Auditorium, Fri. and Saturday 7pm, Sun. 2:30pm, admission $10, tickets will be available two weeks before by calling or coming by the front office. 26 Total Fitness Connection’s Run & Walk for Children, Basil Griffin Park, 7:30am, bgrr.com, 270-781-6714 26-27 Soap Box Derby Rally Race, Phil Moore Park, 270791-3753, aasbd.com
Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, all information is subject to change. Please call ahead to verify dates, times and schedules!
Warren Co. Public Library & The Medical Center Free Activities at Warren Co. Public Library Mondays Toddler Time (9:30-10:30am) Kirby, 18-36 months Toddler Time (10:30-11:30am) Main, 18-36 months Preschool Spanish (1pm) Main Kirby Kids (3:30-4:30pm) Kirby, elementary age Storytime for Busy Parents (6:30pm) Smiths Grove Tuesdays Toddler Time (9:30-10:30am) Main, 18-36 mos. Spanish Explorers Club (4:30pm) Main, elementary age PJ Tales (6pm) Main, twice a month, call for dates Wednesdays Kirby Babies (9:30-10:30am) Kirby, 6-18 mos. Preschool Story Time (10:30am) Smiths Grove, Main & Kirby After School Special (3:30pm) Graham, all age students Thursdays Preschool Story Time (10:30-11:30am) Main, 3-5 years After School at the Grove (3-4pm) Smiths Grove, K-6 High Five Kids Club (4-5pm) Main, K-5, first two Thurs. Wii T’ween (5pm) Graham, 1st & 3rd Thurs. Literary Café (5pm) Graham, tutoring, 2nd & 4th Thurs. Fridays Peek-a-book Babies (9:30-10:30am) Main, 6-18 mos. Preschool Spanish (9:30am) Kirby, 2-5 years Preschool Story Time (10:30-11:30am) Kirby & Main Teen Scene (3:30-4:30pm) Kirby (jr. high, middle & high school students) Saturdays Family Story Time (10:30am) Kirby Branch Free Computer Classes at Warren Co. Public Library MS Excel Basics- Jan. 4, 2-3:30pm Email Basics- Jan. 5, 2-3pm Intermediate Computers / Internet- Jan. 5, 6-7pm Intro to Genealogy Resources- Jan. 6, 9-11am Intro to Computers / Internet - Jan. 10, 2-3pm MS Excel Intermediate- Jan. 10, 6-7:30pm Job Hunting Online- Jan. 12, 2-3pm MS Excel Advanced- Jan. 18, 2-3:30pm MS PowerPoint for Beginners- Jan. 19, 6-7pm Beginning Your Resume- Jan. 20, 6-7pm MS Word for Beginners- Jan. 24, 2-3pm Intro to Genealogy Resources- Jan. 27, 6-7pm Space is limited. Call 270-781-4882 x215 to save a spot. All classes take place in the Conference Room at the Main Library on State Street.
Preparing and Caring for Baby, Classes at Medical Center Auditorium unless otherwise noted. Info and registration at 270-796-2495 or themedicalcenter.org Breast is Best (Jan. 20, Feb. 8, Mar. 17) 6-8pm C-Section Class (Jan. 20, Mar. 22) 6-8pm Fatherhood 101 (Jan. 25, Mar. 22) 7pm, Classroom 2 Grandparents Class (Feb. 15) 6-8pm Newborn Care & Safety Class (Jan. 6, Feb. 10, Feb. 24, Mar. 10, Mar. 24) 6-8pm at Greenwood Mall Wellness Ctr. Nutrition During Pregnancy (Feb. 8) 6-7pm, Mall Prepared Childbirth Classes Option 1: Six Week Series (Tues, Jan. 11-Feb. 15 or Mar. 1-Apr. 12) 6pm Option 2: One-Night Refresher (Jan. 18 or Mar. 8) 6pm Option 3: One-Day (Jan. 22, Feb. 12 or Mar. 19) 9am-1pm Ready, Set, Go! (Jan. 13, Feb. 17, Mar. 3) 6-8pm SIDS Prevention (Mar. 22) 5:30-6:30pm, Mall Twins or More! (Mar. 23) 6-8pm, Med. Ctr. Conf. Room Health and Wellness Classes, Greenwood Mall location. More info and register at 270-745-0942 Look Good, Feel Better (Jan. 10) 10am-Noon, preregister by calling Am. Cancer Society at 270-782-9036 Refuse to be a Victim - surviving a criminal attack (Jan. 26) 9am-1pm. preregistration required. $20 Watercolor Class, (Mondays Jan. 31-Mar. 7) 9:30-11:30am, preregistration required. Bring a 9x12 cold-press paper pad and #1 and #8 round brushes. $45 Food Allergy Support (Jan. 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 15) 6-7pm NICU Parent Support (Tuesdays) 6:30pm, Conf. Room Expectant Parent Fair Sunday, March 27, 2-4pm - 270.745.1543 Tour the Medical Center’s Obstetrics Unit and pick up information from vendors on healthy pregnancies, baby care and safety - and register for great door prizes! page
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Exercise and Nutrition Classes at The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center at Greenwood Mall More information and register at 270-745-0972 Tai Chi Class (Tuesdays and Thursdays) 10-11am, $5/class Improved strength, better balance and a healthier body and mind. For adult men and women of all ages. Limber for Life (Tuesdays and Fridays) 9-10am, $5/class Exercise class for men and women of all ages. Low impact aerobic workout with a focus on flexibility, relaxation and muscular strength. Bring 3-5 lb. hand weights.
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make it at home COOL CONES
BEST BIRTHDAYS local party hot spots
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places in the area to have a birthday party! FOR THE ACTIVE CHILD Aladdin’s Castle | 270.842.8614 Two hours use of party table, paper products, and 250 tokens for $50 (addtl. tokens $5 for 25). Reserve your spot at least 3 days in advance with a $10 cash deposit. Bring your own food, or Sbarro’s offers an 18” pizza and 6 drinks for $12.99.
These crafty cones can make ice cream fun! Supplies: Cake Cones Almond Bark / White Melting Chocolate Colored Sugar Crystals Ice Cream Toppings: Sprinkles, Confetti, Colored Marshmellows, Skittles, M&Ms 1. Pour colored sugar crystals into small bowl (one bowl per color). 2. In small bowl, melt bark or chocolate in microwave (start with 30 seconds, stir and heat until melted). 3. Dip top of cake cone into the bark, then dip into the sugar. Allow to cool and harden. 4. Create a display of ice cream toppings using clear glass containers. You can use different sizes of containers, and create different heights to make a unique table display of sweets! 5. Scoop ice cream into the cones and let the kids “decorate” their ice cream!
Chuck E. Cheese | 270.842.3862 Two reserved birthday party packages to choose from, starting at $11.99 per child. Includes two hours of table space and each child receives two slices of pizza, soft drink with free refills, Ticket Blaster experience and 20 tokens.
Otte Golf & Family Fun Center | 270.781.6072 For only $50, get a round of mini golf for up to 10 kids plus 20 batting cage tokens (each token good for 15 pitches) and use of the gazebo for cake and gifts.
Prime Tyme Athletics | 270.904.4455 $10 each kid with a minimum of 10 kids, 2 hours of gym time. Birthday child is free.
Russell Sims Aquatic Center | 270.393.3249 Great Escape 12 (off Industrial Dr.) | 270.782.3198 A great summer option, $60 includes admission to the Movie tickets are $7.25 each for kids under 11, throw in a Kid waterpark for 8 youth (17 and under) and 2 adults plus a slice Tray for $5.50, which includes popcorn, gummis and a drink. of pizza or hot dog and drink for each person and use of the If you’d like a private space for cake and gifts, their balcony in party space. You may bring in your own cake and ice cream. the game room rents for $50. Additional youth are $6 each, and adults are $10 each. Hopscotch’s Playplace | 270.842.0420 Appropriate for children age 6 months - 6 years, the party packages starting at $99 for up to 10 children, includes use of facility for two full hours and paper products.
Skate Box | 270.843.3394 A basic party includes 10 skaters (plus birthday child), pitcher of soda and paper products for $70. For $25 more get a slice of pizza per child, another pitcher of soda and a cake.
Hot Rods Baseball Game | 270.842.0420 For $200, 10 kids will receive a box seat ticket to the game, hot dog, Coca-Cola fountain drink, souvenir and the group will get a special visit from Axle the Bear and a birthday cake! The birthday child also gets a personal meeting with a Hot Rods player, special gift and name on the stadium video board. Extra kids are $20 each, and adult guests (without the food and goodies) will receive a special group rate of $8.50.
Southern Lanes | 270.843.8741 Starting at just $9 per child - includes 1 hour of bowling or mini golf, party room for 1 hour, slice of pizza or hot dog and small soft drink plus 6 game tokens per child. Eight guest minimum, and while you may bring in your own cake and ice cream, other outside food and drinks are not allowed. A $20 deposit holds your spot!
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Mr. Gattis | 270.393.0333 Each child receives 10 tokens, a party bag, pizza buffet and drink for $9. This includes use of the party room for 1-1/2 hours, and the birthday boy or girl receives 15 tokens plus 100 tickets. Call at least a week in advance to save your spot!
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KOA Kampground | 270.843-1919 Starz Elite | 270.793.0004 $175 for 2 hours in the gym, up to 10 kids ($5 each addtl.), The KOA is probably not the first place you’d think of for a party, but they have a private meeting space complete with $125 for two hours in the dance studio, 5-10 kids. kitchen and restrooms, perfect for a gathering. Mini golf, paddle boats and other recreational activities are available. Tumble Town | 270.842.3405 Enjoy use of the gym facilities for 45 min., and the party area FOR THE CRAFTY AND ARTISTIC for 45 min. for $105 (up to 10 kids), $6 each additional kid. The Bead Store | 270.904.4944 Party-goers will have their own gift! For only $10 per person, FOR THE LITTLE PRINCESS they each get to make a bracelet from a huge selection of Spa Fabulous | 270.842.2172 Choose from a variety of fabulous packages that include beads, and get use of the party room for two hours. Bring everything from horse drawn carriage rides to limo pick-ups, your own food, cake, decorations, etc. If less than 10 people, pajama parties, tea parties and more. You can also custom it is an additional $20 for the room. design your party with their a la carte menu. Memphis Marsha’s | 270.843.1726 Bring out the artist in your little one with parties starting at FOR THE CURIOUS NATURED $10 per child (min. 4). Macreme, tie dye, drawing, painting and Chaney’s Dairy Barn | 270.843.5567 Have fun down on the farm! Enjoy build your own sundaes, more for ages 3 and up. drinks, games, balloons, room space for 2 hours plus the playground area for only $100 for up to 10 kids ($10 each The Paint ‘n Place | 270.783.0830 Kids can enjoy plaster painting for only $90 (up to 10 kids, $8 additional). Add on a hayride for only $25. each additional). This also includes party invites and paper products. Pottery painting parties also available. Dinosaur World | 270.773.4345 Enjoy the fossil dig, boneyard, playground and more for only $6 per guest (age 3 or older min. 12 guests). A 24 hour notice Playful Picasso | playfulpicasso.com is required. Bring your own food to enjoy in their picnic area. $250 gets each child a 11”x14” flat canvas and all the supplies to make their own work of art. Price includes up to 10 children for 2 hours ($25 each additional child). Kentucky Down under | 270.786.2634 Enjoy the day at KDU for only $7 per child (age 3-14) and $12.50 per adult. The price includes admission to the park TRULY UNIQUE and cave and 1 hour use of outdoor party space (min. 8 Historic Railpark & Train Museum | 270.991.7449 guests, 2 free adults). For only $5.50 more per child you get Have a memorable party on the caboose! Party includes a hot dog or sandwich with chips, fruit snack, refillable KDU caboose rental for 4 hours, 3D train cake, table cover, juice mug and prize. box drinks, train theme plates, napkins, forks, balloons, bubble
whistle party favor, delivery & set-up for $195 (capacity 12). Reservations required 4-8 weeks in advance. BUDGET FRIENDLY Chick-fil-A (Campbell Lane) | 270.782.6807 Indoor play places can be a great option for parties, and here there’s no fee to use it! Call a day ahead and they can have a section of tables ready for you, and with kids meals starting at $3.09 it’s a bargain. Bring your own cake!
Eternal Gaming | 270.904.0657 If your child loves video games, this is the ultimate. For only $3 per hour, per child you can have up to 24 kids playing at a time! A huge number of games are available - including multiplayer games allowing everyone to play each other. Bring your own pizza and cake! McDonald’s (Campbell Lane) | 270.793.0810 Offered Saturdays and Sundays at 2, 4 or 6pm, parties include happy meals, cake and ice cream for 10 kids, and use of their indoor playplace for $58.30. Call at least two weeks in advance to reserve your party.
PARTY planning sites For: Games, Activities & Themes birthdaypartyideas.com The site has over 100 party themes, from your child’s favorite character to timeless classics. And it’s not just decorations... check out activity ideas, prizes, food - all fitting the theme!
For: Decorations, supplies & favors shindigz.com Our favorite was the photo stand-ins, a fun way to capture the party goers. This site also offers cool party favors that you can personalize - and the favors are great for showers and weddings, too. Also check out: birthdayexpress.com and celebrateexpress.com
For: Invitations shutterfly.com Sign up for a free account and you’ll get emails with special offers, including discounted cards and invitations. Plus, they have super nice photo books so you can create one to remember the festivities. page
bowling green
PA R E N T
january / february / march 2011
15
awesome ARTS
& CRAFTS
JANuARy: Snowmen Treats Materials required: FOR THE BODY: • 2 1/2 pints best-quality vanilla ice cream • Two 7-oz. pkgs. coconut, shaved FOR THE NOSE • Small piece of orange peel, cut into triangular shape to sit upon a toothpick FOR THE EYES, MOUTH, AND BUTTONS • Miniature chocolate chips FOR THE HAT: • 4 toasted coconut marshmallows • 4 chocolate wafer cookies • Sifted confectioners sugar Directions 1. Line a baking pan that fits in your freezer with parchment paper. Scoop vanilla ice cream, rounding scoops as much as possible, until you have 12 balls, place on the baking pan and put in the freezer to harden for 15 minutes. 2. Remove ice cream balls from freezer, roll and press into coconut. Return to pan, then return pan to freezer. Remove 3 scoops of ice cream from freezer, and make faces using miniature chocolate chips. Place orange peel nose with toothpick. Freeze until ready to serve. 3. Remove 3 different balls from freezer; place 3 mini chocolate chips in a row down the front to create buttons. Return to freezer. Remove remaining scoops from freezer, and stack to create snowmen, pressing slightly to adhere. Return snowmen to freezer. 4. Place the coconut marshmallow on the chocolate wafer, and dust with sifted confectioners’ sugar. Place the hat on the snowmen just before serving.
FEBRuARy: Valentine’s Day Home Decorations Materials required: • Pink and red construction paper • Pencil • Fishing line and/or ribbon • Sewing needle • Pink tissue paper • Tape • Cardboard • Scissors • White glue Directions for curled heart garland: 1. Cut colored paper into 3/4” strips. Fold them in half, or if you want some hearts that are twice as big, tape two strips of paper together at the bottom of each heart with double stick tape. Curl the loose ends around a pen. 2. Using fishing line, string the heart garland together from the bottom up. Push your threaded needle up through the bottom fold of each heart, use double stick tape to sandwich the thread between the two halves of the curled tops. Directions for tissue heart: 1. Cut a large heart out of cardboard. 2. Cut tissue paper into small squares (approx. 2X2 squares). 3. Place eraser end of pencil in the center of a tissue square. 4. Push tissue up sides of pencil and dip eraser end of tissue into glue. 5. Stick tissue paper to cardboard heart. Continue until heart is full and cardboard is not showing. 6. Attach fishing line or ribbon to top of heart and hang.
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MARCH: Leprechaun Door Hanger Materials Required: • 1 miniature paper plate • Scissors • 1 regular paper plate • White glue • Paint (green and peach) • Black marker • Construction paper: pink, brown, black, green, yellow, orange and light green. • White paper Directions: 1. Turn both paper plates upside down. 2. Paint the smaller plate with peach paint. 3. Paint the larger plate green. 4. Print out pattern 1 and pattern 2 (download from our website at www.bgparent.com) and use them to cut the various piece from construction paper. 5. Create the beard - Take the orange strips of paper and roll each one around the end of a pencil to curl them. Glue the curled paper around the bottom of a small paper plate. 6. Assemble and glue the hat pieces, tucking the shamrock stem under the hat band. Glue the hat to the top of the head, overlapping the beard if necessary. 7. Glue the green pant legs to the bottom of the green paper plate. Glue the cuffs to the bottom of the pant legs. 8. Turn the accordion arms so that it appears the leprechaun has his hands behind his back, glue them to the back of the plate. 9. Decorate the face – Glue the orange eyebrows under the hat brim, glue the white eyes under the brows and glue the pink nose in place. 10. Glue the brown pipe off to the side of the face and draw a mouth up to the end of the pipe with the black marker. 11. Draw a black circle in the white eye shapes and color in. 12. Glue the small plate (head) to the larger plate (body) and let dry completely before hanging.
bowling green
january / february / march 2011
PA R E N T
Ingredients: * 1 lb. zucchini * 1 lb. squash * ¼ tsp. Italian seasoning * ¼ tsp. black pepper * 2 c. IGA tomato pasta sauce * 16 oz. low-fat cottage cheese * 2 egg yolks * 1/3 c. IGA Parmesan cheese * 2/3 c. seasoned bread crumbs * 2 c. mozzarella, part-skim * 3 c. spinach * 1 c. fresh basil * nonstick cooking spray
Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
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Directions: 1. Heat oven to 425° 2. Coat two 15x10x1 inch baking pans with nonstick cooking spray. 3. Cut all squash and zucchini lengthwise in half. Then, cut each half lengthwise into slices about ¼ inch thick. 4. Spread squash and zucchini on pans in single layer and season with Italian seasoning. 5. Bake for 25 minutes, turning over once halfway through baking. 6. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375° Fahrenheit. 7. In a large skillet, heat pasta sauce over medium-high heat. Mix trimmed spinach into the pasta sauce. 8. In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, basil, egg yolks, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Blend until all ingredients are combined and smooth. 9. Assembly: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs over the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Cover the bottom of the dish with half of the zucchini and squash slices. Next, spread cottage cheese mixture over the squash and zucchini slices. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of bread crumbs. Top with remaining zucchini slices. Sprinkle with the remaining 3 table spoons of bread crumbs. Pour pasta sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. 10. Bake for approximately 35 minutes. Cheese should be browned and bubbling. Let stand for 10 to 25 minutes before serving. Serves: 10
Prep time: 80 minutes 200 calories , 7g fat, 18 g carbs
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Give a Kid a Smile February 5th is National Give Kids a Smile Day As adults, we know to visit the dentist about every glass allowing beautiful natural light to fill the room. The 6 months, but as a parent you may not know when you environment seemed designed to invoke calmness. After should begin taking your child for their first dental check- my tour, Dr. Erin Elliott spoke with me about some of the ups or where to go. February is National Children’s Dental specifics of pediatric dental care. Dr. Elliott says a child’s first dental visit should Health Month and we decided to “brush up” on the facts for dental health care. While most dentists will see and occur around 6-12 months of age or once a child has gotten their first tooth eruption. During treat infants and toddlers, there ental yth tooth decay and this first visit, the focus will be are some advantages to choosing a Pediatric Dentist. Pediatric dental troubles are hereditary on proper hygiene and tooth development. They will review Dentists have an additional 2 Tooth decay is not inherited! Tooth your child’s diet and assess the years of graduate training that decay is caused by improper diet and risk for dental decay. Dr. Elliottt deals specifically with infant and improper brushing. says to begin brushing as soon children’s dental requirements. as the first tooth appears. Often They are fully trained to do in young children there are dental surgeries under general anesthetics, and have experience in behavior management spaces in between their teeth which are great for brushing each tooth individually. This allows parents to get all the techniques to make the visit as easy as possible. Drs. Randy & Erin Elliott, local Pediatric Dentists in way around the tooth without having to floss. Flossing should begin as soon as the teeth begin Bowling Green, allowed us in to tour their offices and answer some questions we thought would be helpful when making to touch and there is not adequate space to brush in between them. Teeth should be brushed and flossed twice decisions about your child’s dental care. Upon entering the office of Drs. Randy & Erin Elliott, daily. While allowing your child to brush independently I was immediately met by a friendly receptionist in a waiting instills great dental habits for room filled with colorful paintings, child-sized chairs, and kid- later in life, Dr. Elliott does friendly books and games to peruse while waiting for my not recommend that children visit. I was given a tour upon my arrival, where I met a start brushing their teeth by little boy, Seth, age 9, having his teeth cleaned while sitting themselves until they are at comfortably in a child-sized chair facing a wall of tempered least 8 years of age. Children do not have the dexterity Seth (age 9) gets his bi-annual teeth cleaning. needed to correctly remove the plaque from their teeth. We DO recommend that you let your child brush their teeth either before of after you so that they learn how to brush and feel like they are helping. Soft bristled toothbrushes and toothpaste that is recommended by the American Dental Association are best for both children and adult teeth.
D
M
:
tips for healthy
SMILES
Dr. Elliott shared some tips for healthy smiles: • Properly brush twice a day. • Non-fluoridated toothpaste should be used until age 3. After age 3 your child should begin flossing and using fluoridated toothpaste. • A fluoride rinse may be introduced at the advice of your dentist. • Maintain a low sugar diet (juices should be watered down) and avoid soft drinks. • Schedule regular dental checkups/visit orthodontist at appropriate time. • Wear the proper mouth guard while playing sports • Bottle feeding / nursing at night time or naptime should stop with the eruption of the first tooth. If night time feeding continues, be sure to brush or clean teeth after feeding. • Limit in between meal snacks for toddlers to once a day.
Drs. Randy and Erin Elliott are a husband and wife team practicing pediatric dentistry. Their offices are located just off Wilkinson Trace in the Hartland District of Bowling Green, Kentucky. page
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PA R E N T
GREEN PARENTING: Parenting with Awareness This month: Not Your Mama’s Cloth Diapers
In everyday life we are often bombarded with the advice and opinions of others regarding most decisions we make, especially upon entering parenthood. These opinions can sometimes feel overwhelming and often leave a new parent feeling guilty about his/her parenting choices rather than thankful for the offered advice. When making choices for your children and family, it is nice to consider options that have a less harmful impact on the environment. We are pleased to offer the following column in hopes that this information will be implemented if it is a great fit for you and your family. We look forward to sharing future columns about green parenting so that you can parent with awareness!
of extra waste in our landfills, but an added benefit is that they can save you money. Take into consideration the toxins that are in disposable diapers and it just makes sense.
www.diaperpin.com - resource for everything cloth diapers
Step 3. Accessorize Cloth Wipes -When using cloth diapers it just makes sense to Here’s a quick tutorial for anyone interested in starting: use cloth wipes. When you are done with the wipe you just tuck it inside the soiled diaper and throw it in the wash. Step 1. Research your Options Wet Bags-These make storing or carrying soiled diapers so All-in-One-these are the easiest most “disposable-like” much easier. They come in a variety of different sizes, each diapers. They either Velcro or snap on just like a disposable. one designed to carry a couple of diapers all the way up to You wash the entire diaper after each use and then re-use. several dozen diapers. The wet bag can be opened and just Pocket Diapers-these are very similar to the all-in-one except thrown in the wash with the diapers. that they have a pocket so you can stuff it with an insert at nap or bedtime for better absorbency. Step 4. Caring for your Diapers Not Your Mama’s Cloth Diapers Fitted Diapers and Wraps-the fitted part of the diaper goes I’ve had great success with both ALL Free & Clear and Charlie’s I have always been drawn to things of the past such on similar to the all-in-one but requires a wrap or cover. The Soap (which I order from Amazon.com) detergents and both as antiques, old books and history. As I started to write this benefit is great absorbency, and the wrap can be used over are very reasonably priced. Others have simply used white vinegar and baking soda for washes. If diapers get stained article on cloth diapering I began to wonder about this “new” and over again before washing. you can put them out in the sun and the stains disappear. trend in diapering that is in fact a very old way of doing Pre-folds or flats-these are your grandma’s diapers. There are things. Cloth diapers have come a long way, especially in Step 5. Fitting them into your Everyday Life the past couple of years, making them much more realistic dozens of different fold techniques and you use a pin or I started out using disposables when we went out and about, for our modern lifestyles. The main reason my family has snappi to hold it on. These diapers require a wrap or cover but small wet bags make it very possible for you to store chosen cloth diapering is to prevent the thousands of pounds also. These are the most economical. soiled diapers in your diaper bag until you get home. There Wool-this is a great option for are times, such as when I have a newborn, that I will use the winter months. Wool is disposables. You have to make it do-able and realistic for you very absorbent and is used and your family! just like a wrap over a fitted Premier Children’s Consignment Event diaper, prefold or flat. Watch out Cloth Diapers 101 and Swap because the cute wool pants Want to know more about cloth diapering? Join us for a free and skirties can become very cloth diapering and diaper swap on March 28th at 5 pm. This class will be held at the ALIVE Center. addictive!
Duck-Duck-Goose
Step 2. Starting a Stash I recommend having several different types of diapers in your collection. You can try them all and decide which ones work best for you and your baby. We like to have around 20-25 diapers for each baby or toddler in diapers. This allows you to wait a couple of days between washes. You can always make it work with less, having more is an added bonus.
Spring/ Summer Event
March 24th - 28th (Open 10-8 daily; Closed Sunday)
Potter Children’s Home Gymnasium 2350 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY
Go online TODAY for more details!
www.dkdkgoose.com
Favorite Places to Buy www.diaperswappers.com - a place to buy or trade diapers www.greenpixiebaby.com - cloth diaper store in Nashville, TN
BabyNet and Green Pixie Diapers are sponsoring a cloth diaper giveaway for Bowling Green Parent Magazine readers! Visit the BabyNet website babynetky.com and leave a question or comment on their forum between now and March 28th. For more information on classes or to enter to win the cloth diaper visit: www.babynetky.com
Michelle Howell of Bowling Green is a doula, homeschooler, mother of four and member of BabyNet, a network of pregnancy, birth and childhood professionals serving the South Central Kentucky area. Their mission is to protect and support families through education about preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, breastfeeding and parenting to ensure the best chance for a full-term pregnancy and healthy baby.
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january / february / march 2011
spring break in your own
BACKYARD
April will be here before we know it, and for most children across the Bluegrass State it means a week off for Spring Break. We’ve found tons of things for you to do right in your own backyard. Load up the kids and take an excursion around our wonderful community!
Cave, WKU and Riverview at Hobson Grove. At many of the stops you will find a letterbox that you can stamp on a sheet that comes with the CD. Redeem the completed sheet for a free Civil War themed prize from the CVB!
Arts Camp at WKU Children in grades 1-5 have the opportunity to craft the day Take a Letterboxing Quest Letterboxing is a scavenger hunt where you can go online away at the Kentucky Library & Museum during their Spring to www.atlasquest.com and search for “letterboxes” that Break Arts Day Camp April 4-8. The camp is daily from 8am are near a zip code, then physically find the boxes. Once a until noon, and “after camp care” is available until 4pm for an box is found, inside is a stamp, ink pad and notebook. As a additional fee. Call 270-745-2594 for more information. letterboxer, you, too, will have a notebook and stamp. Stamp Feed a Feathered Friend the box’s book with your stamp, date it and write a little Winter’s cold begins to lift and flowers start to bloom so it’s note if you wish. Then, stamp your own book with the box’s the perfect time to visit Basil Griffin Park and feed the ducks. stamp. You can also log that you found the box online. Crackers tend to work better than bread for their snack, and This year (2011) is the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, so of course, some of the ducks can get aggressive so it’s best why not explore Warren County’s Civil War Discovery Trail to toss their snacks from a safe distance. Don’t forget some and letterbox while you are at it? The Bowling Green Area wipes or hand sanitizer for small grubby hands, and picnic Convention and Visitors Bureau has audio tours of the trail lunches can be an extra special treat! The playgrounds at available for only $5. You can listen to the history of the Civil Basil are also some of the best, and if you want to do a little War in our area while driving to the spots, like Lost River boating, the KOA campground across the road has electric fun
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boats you can pay to use on their part of the lake. Explore Transportation, From Here to There What kid wouldn’t like riding a mini hovercraft, operating a canal lock system (complete with water) and levitating a hot air balloon? They can do all this and more at the National Corvette Museum’s special exhibit, “From Here to There” presented by PNC Bank. The display is housed in the Museum’s exhibit hall, so kids can not only enjoy the Corvettes on display and interactive Pit Crew Challenge, but also this hands-on, kid-friendly, temporary exhibit January 18 - April 16. Big brother or sister will like spending time on the new educational driving simulators, too... learning safe driving in realistic cockpits.
bowling green
january / february / march 2011
PA R E N T
the best way to save for
COLLEGE
For most families, a 529 plan is the way to go. Forget savings bonds. The best way to save for your child’s college education is with a 529 college-savings plan. These state-sponsored plans are simple, have tax advantages and don’t have much of an impact on your child’s chances of qualifying for financial aid. Plus, the parents have control of the account – not the beneficiary.
When you open an account, you’ll be able to choose from several investment options ranging from conservative to aggressive. Many states offer age-based portfolios that automatically shift your investments from stock funds while your child is young to bond funds and cash as your child nears college age. Once you pick an investment option, the plan does the rest. You can sit back while the state (or an How 529 plans work. outside investment firm) manages your funds. You can switch These plans, named after section 529 of the tax investment options within the plan once a year, or roll you code, let you set aside money for future college costs. Every money into another state’s plan if you’re unhappy with the state offers a 529 plan, but you’re not restricted to your performance of the plan you’re in. state’s plan – you can invest in any of them. Brokerage firms and financial advisers also offer 529 plans, but you’ll usually Tax benefits. pay higher fees if you go this route rather than opening an The 529 plan’s tax advantages are what make it account directly through a state. an especially appealing way to save for your child’s college You can open an account with as little as $25 or education. Savings within the plan grow free of federal $50. Some states let you open an account entirely online; income tax. And any withdrawals used for qualified college others require you to download a form from their Web site, expenses (tuition, books, fees, room and board) are tax free. fill it out and mail it in. Unlike some other education-savings More than half the states offer residents tax breaks for programs, 529 plans allow anyone to contribute regardless contributions to their 529 plans, but Kentucky does not. So of income level and have high contribution limits (up to you might want to consider looking outside the state for $300,000 in most cases, no limit in some states). plans with lower fees (the Illinois direct-sold Bright Start
College Savings Plan has super-low fees) or more investment options (the College Savings Plan of Nebraska offers 20 fund options). To compare plans, visit Savingforcollege.com.
Cameron Huddleston Lebedinsky is a contributing editor for Kiplinger.com. She lives in downtown B.G. with her husband Alex and their 2 daughters, Maya and Zoe. Graduation Photo by Clinton Lewis/WKU
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bowling green
PA R E N T
january / february / march 2011
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healthy
ROAD TRIP!
When you travel this year instead of buying those prepackaged snacks that are high in sale and sugar, try these fun munchies that are healthy and yummy!
Road trips can be especially boring for young kids, and even adults could use a little something to pass the time - or at least keep the kids occupied. We’ve found a few fun activities you can do in the car, on a plane or on any mode of transportation!
TRAVEL SNACKS • Make your own GORP. Toss together some peanuts, raisens, Cheerios, dried fruit, peanut butter chips • Travel Enchiladas: Take a whole grain tortilla and spread it with cream cheese. Sprinkle on some nuts and dried fruit then roll it up. For a twist, try some of the flavored cream cheese. • Veggies and Dip: Try the bags of carrots, broccoli and cauliflower all in one. It’s perfect snack size and already washed. Both Hidden Valley and Sabra offer individually packaged dips (ranch and hummus) or make your own: Drain a can of peas, blend in a chopped clove of garlic and some chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This is also tasty on bagel chips. Take-Along Oatmeal Bars 1/4 c. sugar 1/4 c. butter 1/3 c. honey 1/2 t. ground cinnamon 1 c. diced dried fruit and raisin mixture 2 c. Wheat Chex cereal 1 c. oats 1/2 c. sliced almonds 1. Heat sugar, butter, honey and cinnamon to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in dried fruit. Add remaining ingredients. 2. Press mixture into pan and cool about 30 minutes. Cut and store covered.
Don’t have time to whip something up? Here are our picks for the pre-packaged goods:
things to do in the car!
Name That 1. Write categories of things, such as cities, famous people, movies, animals or kinds of fruit on pieces of paper, fold and put in a cup. 2. Then, draw one of the categories and everyone has one minute to name as many things as they can that fall within that category. 3. The person who names the most wins that round. Peeping Tom 1. Have mom or dad make a list for each player of things people in other cars (or on a plane) could be doing (reading, singing, sleeping, eating, etc.). 2. The first person to find all people doing all the things on their list wins! Word Train 1. The first person says a word (any that they can think of), for example ‘flower’. 2. The next person has to say another word that starts with the last letter of the word the first person said, in this example they might say ‘rock’ or ‘race.’ 3. Everyone takes turns to say a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word.
questions to help them guess who the relative is. (Do they have blue eyes? Are they a boy? Do they live in Kentucky?) 3. The person who guesses correctly gets to think of a new person for others to guess.
Truth, Truth, Fib 1. Players take turns telling two truths and a fib, miking them up so that the fib could be first, middle or last. 2. The other players guess which thing is the fib. Continue taking turns, and in the process you just might learn something new about each other!
tools of the TRADE Here’s some “must have” gear for your next trip! 1. Free Music and Books: check-out the public library’s wide selection of ‘books on cd’ and music cds. 2. Snack & Play Travel Tray: car seat tray keeps items from rolling out of reach, and side pockets let kids store all kinds of goodies. $22 at Toys-R-Us 3. Spill Proof Snack Buddy Snack Cup: lets your kid reach in for little snacks without the worries of spills. $5.95 at OneStepAhead.com 4. Playtex Coolster Tumbler: guaranteed no-spill sippy with sleek design. $4.99 at Target and CVS 5. Juice Pal Insulated Juice Box Holder Holder: perfect for juice pouches and boxes, preventing grubby squeezes. $3.95 at OneStepAhead.com
All in the Family 1. One player thinks of a relative. 2. The other players take turns asking simple yes-or-no
• Animal Crackers (low sugar compared to other cokies) • Individual mini raisin boxes • Individual portioned boxes of cereal (choose a low sugar variety pack) • Baggies of grapes or dried fruit • String cheese • Cereal, protein or granola bars • Individual packs of crackers (peanut butter, etc.) • Bagels, bagel chips Want more help planning your trip? Visit www.roadtripamerica.com for all kinds of ideas and information! page
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PA R E N T
KID’S ACTIVITIES
B I N G O
Find the Differences Circles the differences in the two leprauchauns.
American Flag
Cow
Bumper Sticker
Pond
Rest Area
“Welcome to” our town sign
Corvette
Red Barn
Police Car
Motorcycle
White Fence
Ohio License Plate
Baseball Field
Antenna Bobber
School Bus
Landmark “Brown” Sign
Bicycle
Red Truck
Dog
Yield Sign
Valentine’s Day Carnation Experiment Ingredients • 1 White Carnation Flower • Drinking glass • Water • Red Food Coloring
Box Game One person draws a line between two dots. Then, the other person adds a line. Take turns adding lines. When someone makes a box with their line, they write their initial in the box before drawing another line on the grid. At the end of the game, count how many boxes each of you have made. The one with the most is the winner.
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Double Puzzle Unscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number.
Instructions Step 1: Fill the drinking glass half full of water and add red food coloring. Step 2: Cut the stem of the carnation at an angle and place the carnation in the drinking glass for 24 hours. Explanation The colored water moved up the stem into the petals and changed the color of the carnation from white to red.
? ? ? Riddles ?
(see answers at the bottom) 1. Johnny’s mother had four children. The first was April, the second was May, and the third was June. What was the name of her fourth child? 2. A man left home running. He ran a ways and then turned left, ran the same distance and turned left again, ran the same distance and turned left again. When he got home there were two masked men. Who were they? 3. You are driving a bus. Four people get on, three people get off, then eight people get on and ten people get off, then 6 people get on and 2 more people get off. What color were the bus driver’s eyes? 4. There was an airplane crash, every single person died, but two people survived. How is this possible? 5. Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?
Travel Bingo: Seek out these items on the road. First player to find five in a row wins! Like this game but have little ones who can’t read yet? Adapt it as a scavenger hunt, where mom or dad calls out one clue at a time and passengers must shout and point out where they’ve found it!
Kentucky State Symbol Seek and Find BLACKBERRY CARDINAL CLOGGING COAL DULCIMER GOLDENROD GRAY SQUIRREL MILK SPOTTED BASS THOROUGHBRED TULIP POPLAR VICEROY
1. Johnny. 2. The catcher and umpire. 3. Whatever color your eyes are. You are driving the bus! 4. They were married. 5. Mount Everest was still the highest mountain in the world, even before it was discovered.
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Barnes & Noble Storytime Friday, 11:30 am - Saturday, 3:33 pm Family Storytime at Graham Library Saturday, 10:30am (see pg. 13 for more times)
book nook Love, Ruby Valentine by Laurie Friedman Ruby Valentine and her pet cockatoo live in a cottage with heart-shaped trees outside. During the countdown to Valentine’s Day, they make glittery cards, bake heartshaped cookies and cakes, and prepare goody bags tied up with red bows. The day before the celebration, Ruby and Lovebird fill up their red wagon, ready to distribute gifts to all the townspeople. Before turning in, the hopeless romantic makes a huge heart-shaped sign that reads, Love, Ruby Valentine and places it high on the wagon. Everything is ready. Then, after all of their hard work, the child and her pet sleep
through the big day. At Lovebird’s urging, she pulls her wagon through town, delivering her gifts anyway. In the town square, Ruby stands atop an equestrian statue and apologizes for being late. The townspeople thank and hug her for being so kind and for turning an ordinary day into a celebration. Ruby realizes that you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to say I love you! The theme of the book shows children that it doesn’t have to be Valentines Day to tell someone that you love them. You can tell everyone anytime ‘I Love You’. I think that is a very good theme for children to learn. I recommened this book for Elementary Children but it is also a fun book for older children to read as well.
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St. Patrick’s Day Crafts by Carol Gnojewski The parade is coming, and everywhere you look you see shamrocks and magical pots of gold. It is St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that is especially important to Irish people everywhere. In St. Patrick’s Day Crafts, ten easy crafts are presented along with step-by-step directions, photographs, and traceable patterns. An introduction to the origins of the holiday is also included. So get ready to decorate your home and wear something green ... because on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone can be Irish! All children of all ages love to make and create, this is the perfect book to bring out the creativity in everyone. Great for all ages of fun!
About the Reviewer: Alicia Veazey is the Librarian for Briarwood Elementary in Bowling Green, KY.
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